University of Mississippi Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Alaina

Think hard about leaving your family and living so far away from home. The transportation cost was something I did not think about when attending a college so far away.

Undrea

I know what you're thinking, "Here comes another adult trying to tell me how to live my life." I just want you to hear a little piece of advice from someone who has been where you're going. First all, you're beautiful. Never let anyone make you feel differently. No one is perfect, but guess what? No one is YOU either! You don't ever have to compare yourself to others, just be the best YOU that you can be. You have a lot to offer the world, but you have to believe in yourself and stay focused and determined. You're very smart now but you still have a lot to learn. Learning doesn't stop when you reach my age. It's for as long as you have the passion to do so. So don't ever be afraid of what you know and learn in this world. Take that and use it to your advantage. Don't be afraid of what you're capable of. Don't run from success, run toward it. And if you should stumble along the way, pick yourself up and keep going because you're stronger than you know.

Madelynne

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would probably tell myself a few things. First, I would tell myself not to try and hurry through life. Ever since I was young, I have had my career plan mapped out, but like often in life, plans change and that is okay. As a high school senior I was so sure about the plan my life would take and now as almost as senior in college I realize plans change. Next, I would tell myself that it is okay if I truly don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life. At only eighteen years old, it's okay to be unsure. Finally, I'd tell myself that even knowing what I know now and changing my career path after three years in college, I would still go the same path and do it all over again because ultimately it is what made me who I am today and is the reason I am at Ole Miss.

Megan

I would tell my high school senior self to stay on my academic works. I would tell myself to try to achieve higher on the ACT and to study more for it. I would apply for University scholarships before the deadline and kept deadlines on my calender in my phone.

Dean

I would tell myself to study on the weekdays and go out on the weekends. I would also tell myself to not date anyone from my home town once I move off to college.

Imani

You gotta go, it's 6:15. Wait! Don't forget the classic Instagram pic capturing the beginning of the Holy Grail of all that is high school: senior year! #Surreal. Imani ,my friend, I want you to know that everything happens for a reason. This year you'll face joy like never before, students you merely passed in the hallway last year will become close friends , and you'll look back at every moment with no regrets. Everything you've been told to look forward to this year, is 1000 times better than what you've heard! However, like I said, things happen for a reason. You know those schools that you were "predestined" for acceptance, SPOILER ALERT: let's just say you'll be knocking on some closed doors. Also, just when you think you've found the perfect school in sunny Malibu, California, dorm, roommate, flights and all, well brace yourself because no one imagined the household income would drop to zero. Defeat is a real emotion you will have to overcome. Nevertheless, do not be fooled by closed doors . They are God's way of protecting and preparing you for something greater. See you Spring 2015!

Randii

Dear High School Self, Although hanging out with friends on weekends is fun, please remember that getting used to saying no every once in a while and staying in and studying is very important. Mom and Dad probably haven't told you yet that they don't make enough money to puy you through school, and you don't qualify for financial aid, so you need to be proactive about your future and start doing your homework, as well as applying for scholarships and grants. Cherish every ounce of sleep that you get now, because you're going to be spending a lot of time staying up late and studying. It's also important that you get a side job while in high school so that you can save a little bit of money while you're still living under Mom and Dad's roof, because pretty soon you're not going to have that kind of time. Please, just take life seriously. Gain knowledge about credit scores, loans, budgets and bills. It will be very beneficial later on. Sincerely, Your Older, Wiser Self.

Julianne

Know what is important to you and remember it. Stay true to yourself. Keep making thread anklets and necklaces for people because once you leave, you might not see those people for a very long time; you will take comfort in the fact that you gave them a momento of yourself. Friends may come and go, but family will always be there-so be good to them. There will come a time when you will be homesick and miss your family so much. At times they annoy you, but appreciate them being so close to you right now. Continue to use a planner and study well. Those skills will DEFINITELY come in handy when you're juggling fifty things at once. Read more nonfiction books. I know we LOVE reading Nicholas Sparks and Sarah Dessen, but they will NOT help you here. Try broadening your horizons a little. You know you are short, so take my advice and learn how to sew so you can fix your colorguard uniform pants and not have them jaggedly hemmed by your best friend. Enjoy home cooked meals. Enough said.

Grace

Volunteer more so you have the experience and the background for better internships during college. Also, don't attempt to major in Biology at Ole Miss, it is a weed out major, and you will not do your best.

victoria

Knowing what I know now, I would advice myself to stay focus, make sure to surround myself with positive influences, and to stay involved in activities as much as possible. The transition from high school to college was quite easier and straightforward for me, but at times I would slack off and have to make up for it toward the end. I have found staying around people that share my same interest(going to school, doing the best I can and of course making good grades) helped me to stay grounded because there was no time to play if we were trying to reach our goals. I only participated in a few activities, but I find the more you're involved the more people you meet and the more opportunites become available. Overall, keeping focus, staying involved and being around the right people would definitely help not only me, but anyone making the transition to college.

Naomi

Naomi I know that going into college is a huge step, you have never been so far away from your family and close friends and you might think that you are all alone in Mississippi, but you are not. You have a huge and loving support system in Florida and they will always be there to cheer you on or give you advice. Never give up becasue failure is not an option. Success is not what others want for you, it is what you want. Your life begins here, the rest of your life really depends on what choices you make during these next four years so make the best ones this first year to set up for the next three. You are on the road to do great things and the future is so bright. I know you will make a myriad of friends and have fun, but do not forget your main purpose: Graduating! Remeber to write home and call Grandma and grandpa. Family always comes first. You will do fine and try not to worry so much.

Susie

Hey Suz, I bet you don't think you need my advice about college, but hear me out. Live your college years with no regrets. Don't change who you are. You are going to make lots of new friends, you will lose some and that's okay. Learn to love an accept yourself, it makes life easier. Call home often, your parents will miss you. Even though you won't admit it, you will miss them too. There will be times when you feel lonely and afraid, but I promise you will always find happiness. The next four years will go by much faster than you think. College can be really hard, but it is the most amazing experience. Most of all, thank you for making me who I am today. I couldn't have made it this far without you. With love always, Susie University of Mississippi-Class of 2014

Caroline

Dear Caroline, The first thing I want to tell you is don't blink. Life is the most precious gift God has given us and to take it for granted would be your biggest regret. It may seem like you have everything you're ever going to need at this very moment, but I can promise you this, that the world around you is about to be completely turned upside down. It is true that you will always carry your friendships, hardships, and best memories from high school with you forever, but don't let those things get in the way of the wonderful blessings that college has in store for you. If I had had this letter when I was your age, boy wouldn't that have been more helpful. As important as it is to forgive and forget, don't lose sight of self respect and what's important. It won't all be easy and the ground will shift from beneath you but that is when you remember that "this too shall pass." One last thing, the best is yet to come. P.S. Give Mom and Dad a break, they're doing their best. Love, Me

Elizabeth

Please apply for more scholarships during high school. Go to the school that fits your personality and budget the best. Go to the school that will offer you the most money. Try to go out of state to pursue your dreams. Go to all of the freshman social events, you will meet many people in your position. Strive for a high GPA your first semester and you will be set for your entire college career. Go to counseling when you are depressed and/or having problems with the transition from high school/teenager to college/young adult. It is a rough transition. Remember you are not alone and avoid taking out loans.

Rachel

Be who you are. People care a lot less than you might think, about what you say and how you look and the fact that you just tripped down the stairs. Allow yourself to focus less on their impression of you and more on your impression of yourself. Harness your inner beauty by doing what you enjoy, whether it is reading Fitzgerald and Ellison, performing poetry in front of hundreds of people, or just telling obscure jokes. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you can't do what you want to do. One more thing, kiddo, look on the bright side. "This too shall pass," and greater days will come as long as you keep going and giving it your best. Remember that you are amazing, and colleges will gladly accept you. In fact, all the ones you apply to will! You are amazing and funny and brilliant and bright. It's time you start believing it! Maybe then, everyone else will too.

Tammy

Tammy, I know that the last few years have been tough on you caring for your parents with their ailments, but these next few years are about you. Take some chances and live with some adventure in your life. Before you know it, some of the best years of your life will be behind you, leaving nothing but a dusty trail of missed opportunities. With that in mind, here are a few things that I want you to do: Address your passions with vigor and do not be afraid of failure-mistakes will make you stronger, not weaker. Learn a foreign language and visit that country. Then do it again. May I suggest Italian? Do not stop pursuing anything important to you just because someone else tells you that you can't do. Stand proud and invite them to the awards ceremony after you do. Last but not least, regardless of how you feel, you are smart, beautiful, and you are capable of doing anything that you put your heart into. Walk with both eyes open and venture forth.

Katie

There are so many things that I would go back and tell my high school self. The first and most important thing that I would say is to take my grades more serious during my freshman year. I would explain the importance of starting high school off right, with a good GPA rather than making myself play catch up my last three years to graduate with a GPA that I was proud of. The second thing that I would tell myself is to keep my good friends close. In high school I was so worried about what everyone thought of me. It was more important to me to be liked by all and have many distant relationships rather than a few close ones. With all of the stresses of the the transition into college and becoming an adult, a friend's shoulder to cry on every now and then is a must. Keep those who matter to you most closest to you.

William

If I had this opportunity, I would tell myself to not lose my mind. As a senior, I was in a constant state of panic. I would lie awake at night thinking about deadlines and scholarship applications. I would panic over minute details, and over think every aspect of my college choice. Looking back on my senior year, I realize that it is a good thing that I did not approach the college search and application process half-heartedly. However, I would have benefited from hearing my future self tell me that everything would be okay. It is important to take the college search seriously, but not so seriously that it hinders sleep.

Cara

As I high school senior, I would have spent more time looking into the colleges I applied to. I was extremely indecisive about where to apply, so I just decided to apply to all 14 schools that I was considering. My plan was to wait and see where I was accepted, and then take it from there. I ended up getting accepted to all but one school, so I hadn't really narrowed it down much. Because of that, I waited until last minute and chose a school my parents basically picked for me. I was not happy with the decision, so a month before classes started, I backed out and enrolled at the University of Mississippi instead. I spent my whole senior year stressed out and unable to decide on a school to attend. Instead, I wish I spent more time researching and visiting schools rather than just apply to them all. Since I decided on a school so late, I did not qualify for any scholarships, and I hadn't applied to any outside scholarships, so I was paying full tuition. I did not pay attention to money at all, and I really wish I did.

LaShonda

The advice I would give myself is to apply to colleges early because sometimes not all colleges will reopen their admission application to be enrolled there and to apply to scholarships quicker when they're handed to me.

Gabrielle

My advice to myself as a high school senior is simple: don't be afraid to try new things. I would encourage myself to take risks by running for student government and joining different organizations on campus. Transitioning to a new school and new living quarters can be overwhelming. At first, you may feel like you've been swallowed up by a sea of people and it's easy to panic, but don't. Keep yourself as busy as possible because it makes the transition less of a transition and more fun. It's much harder to become homesick if you are busy running from meeting to meeting making new friends. Those types of risks are the rewarding ones. I would encourage myself to participate in activities that expose me to a new culture or different groups of people because those activities are the ones that make you grow as a person. You never know when you will discover a new passion from taking a chance and being involved.

destini

I would tell myself to stay focused and to work hard in the classroom. Most senior slack up and then when they get to college they regret the fact that they did not stay completely focused. I would advize myself to research my uture college and try to learn as much as possible before I get there. Lastly, I would try to contact anyone who would be able to help me be prepared for what I will need to know.

Mary

I would tell myself, first, to pay attention to statictics. Low freshmen retention and graduation rates are a sign that many students that go to that school are not happy with their choice. Also, I'd tell myself to go with my gut of which school I like best. Also, I'd tell myself to try to get involved in as much as possible to meet other people and to take an easy course load for my first semester to allow room to adjust to college level academics instead of jumping right in to sophmore level honors classes like I did.

Alexis

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would tell my high school self to send in my school aplications early and apply for more scholarships. When I first started applying for schools, it did not look like I would have any money problems. As the economy worsens, it seems like my families money problems grow and grow. I would also tell my high school self to prepare for my father's death. My father died in March of my senior year and that really messed me up. I handled his death pretty good, but I think I could have handled it better. I think the last piece of advice I would give my high school self would be to try and make friends before going to college. Once I was on campus, I had no friends and it seemed like everyone else had someone. I should have tried to make friends while I was visiting the campus or at orientation. If I had known then what I know now, I would have done these three things over again.

Erica

I would tell my high school self to really enjoy senior year, and prepare to be focused heading into freshman year. Picking a major is important, but it is okay if you are undecided for the first semester; most majors require the same general education classes. Don't try to overload your schedule, attempting to take 21 credit hours, work a job, and join three groups. Get familiar with the way college life works and allow yourself time to get adjusted. Once you see how college life is, then you can decide to join more groups, go Greek, or get a work study job with more hours. In addition, build relationships with your professors. You never know when you will need a recommendation or just need wise council. Don't wait to the last minute to study for tests or complete assignments; pass or fail, you still pay for tuition. Make every moment count and study hard. Make yourself proud. Remember, it is okay to take a study break and get out of the dorm room for a bit. You need breaks to keep your sanity. Be smart about college life and you will do just fine.

Gabrielle

I would tell myself to make the most of my freshman year. What a student does their freshman year sets the ball rolling for the years to follow. I would also say to be true to myself and to be as involved in campus as possible. The people that become the most homesick are the ones who keep to themselves and don't take chances with college. I would tell myself to invest in a small umbrella for my backpack and a tool box. The last thing I would tell myself is to find as many scholarships as possible. The most amount of scholarships are available to high school seniors and the more you can put away from the start the more affordable college will be for you.

Christine

Get Started NOW! Find the perfect college for you. Don't settle on a school. If you don't like the way things are going-make a change. Work less and have more fun. College is about getting an education and also the experience of being a college student. There are so many people supporting you in this new journey if you get in to trouble the most important thing to do is talk to your professors! Communication is so important! Be Yourself and have fun!

Kaily

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to not take anything for granted. In addition, I would advise myself to not procrastinate and do my work as it comes in, because waiting until the last minute never ends well. I would also tell myself to study every day for about 30 minutes because, if I do that, I will be better prepared for the test then if I try to cram the night before. The final thing I would tell myself is keep an open mind, because I will be forced to face a lot of changes during my first year in college. With an open mind, I will acclimate to the adjustment in culture more easily. Doing all of this will make my freshman year a great and fun experience.

Marcus

Get plenty of sleep or as as much sleep as you can. Be self-determined and disciplined to figure out how much you need and build it into your schedule. Learn to take care of yourself. Be mentally awake and physically strong. Self is important. Always find friends with similar values and goals. It helps to maintain relatonships.

Taylor

College is basically a giant balancing act. You need to learn how to balance everything as soon as possible. Buy a daily planner, and a calendar white board. They will help more than you can imagine. Write down every assignment that your professors give you, as soon as you get them. After you write down your assignments, program them into your iphone, or blackberry or computer. Be sure to have your assignments written down in more than one place, just in case something happens. There are tons of social activities that you get involved in, but always remember that you are in college to study and further your education. Don't get behind because you partied too much, it will hurt you in the long run. Another useful purchase is a filing cabinet, or if you don't have room a desk organizer. The most important thing to remember is to keep the perfect balance between school and fun.

Taylor

College is basically a giant balancing act. You need to learn how to balance everything as soon as possible. Buy a daily planner, and a calendar white board. They will help more than you can imagine. Write down every assignment that your professors give you, as soon as you get them. After you write down your assignments, program them into your iphone, or blackberry or computer. Be sure to have your assignments written down in more than one place, just in case something happens. There are tons of social activities that you get involved in, but always remember that you are in college to study and further your education. Don't get behind because you partied too much, it will hurt you in the long run. Another useful purchase is a filing cabinet, or if you don't have room a desk organizer. The most important thing to remember is to keep the perfect balance between school and fun.

Taylor

College is basically a giant balancing act. You need to learn how to balance everything as soon as possible. Buy a daily planner, and a calendar white board. They will help more than you can imagine. Write down every assignment that your professors give you, as soon as you get them. After you write down your assignments, program them into your iphone, or blackberry or computer. Be sure to have your assignments written down in more than one place, just in case something happens. There are tons of social activities that you get involved in, but always remember that you are in college to study and further your education. Don't get behind because you partied too much, it will hurt you in the long run. Another useful purchase is a filing cabinet, or if you don't have room a desk organizer. The most important thing to remember is to keep the perfect balance between school and fun.

Breanna

If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would go on more campus visits, and research the schools I applied to more. Just because a school is ranked well doesn't mean it will be a good fit for you. Don't choose a school simply because their program for your intended major is ranked well, either. If you change your mind about your major, and there's a very good chance that you might, and the programs for other majors you're interested in aren't very good, you might end up feeling stuck.

Kristina

I would tell myself to work harder on my study skills and paying attention in class because that is one of the most important things you should know how to do in college. Also, I would tell myself to listen to my parents and teachers because they really do know what they are talking about, but I would have to say putting school work and learning first is the most important thing one can know when they enter their freshman year of college.

Farrah

If I could go back to being a high chool senior, knowing what I know today, I would have pushed myself harder in highschool. Many seniors claim to have "senioritis" at the end of the school year, I was defiantly one of them. I would have studied more, and tried harder on homework assignemts along with projects and test. I didn't realize how important all of the choices you made in highschool were, until I graduated. Along with studies, I would have affiliated myself with more clubs, sports, and things such as that. Those play a huge role in your beginning years of college, along with getting accepted to a college/s that you find yourself intersted in. All in all, if I could go back to highschool, knowing what I know today, I would have changed a little, but kept me as me.

DeeAnn

I would reaffirm that you need to declare a major before you enter. I was told this and it is very important because that way you don't waste time or hours in the wrong major. I would tell them to definitely go thru sorority rush and do your homework beforehand so you already know what group to pick before you start. That way emotions don't get in the way.

Kalee

College life is a great experience. The only stresses I really have is the financial issues of it all. You need to do as many scholarships as you possibly can. Don't get mad over your mom and counselor harping on you about doing them, they were right for doing so. Finances are really hard right now, and knowing whether college might not be affordable is stressful. Scholarships means less loans needed to be taken out, and that's easier on you for the long run. Really do those scholarships, no matter how annoying or tedious they might be, do as many as possible. It will definitely help in the long run.

Teiah

If I could give myself advice as a high school senior I would say that just because it is senior year doesn't mean that it's time to slack off. This year should be the year that you put in the most effort. Pay attention to the things you learn because you will be seeing them again. I would also say that college requires a lot more effort than high school. Just because you made A's all throughout high school, don't expect it to be the same when you enter college. But don't let this bring you down because as long as you know that you put your best effort into everything you do then you should be satisfied with the final outcome. Also, be social with others because you never know how far knowing a certain person can get you, and it's always good to have you a good set of positive friends. It makes life much easier after a full day of class and studying. Be social, have fun, but remember that you came to college to receive an education.

Rachel

First of all, I would tell myself to slow down. I spent a lot of time wishing I could just make time go by faster. In college, I have met so many wonderful people that I now call my best of friends. We have learned to take a breather every now and then. College gets hectic, and finding a group of people you can hang out with is truly a blessing. I would also tell myself to enjoy my free time because it is a very precious commodity in college. Finally, I would tell myself to take things as they come. College has brought many new challenges, and I have learned how to deal with these difficult situations and persevere through them.

tien

I have gotten the experience to meet new friendly people. This environment has been breathtaking. The professor are very kind and down to earth. This campus isn't easy but it's worth it for the other benefits that it possesses. I enjoy the university of mississippi of what it offers. It treats every student equally, they do not judge on race or ethnicity.

Kalee

So far i have gotten a good education that will help me stay on the right track for my college major. I have made new friends that I value greatly and have given me memorable moments. A college degree will help you earn a higher paying job to make it through economically. It will also socially mature you for the adult world.

Taylor

I have come to realize that I have much to learn about living on my own, but I feel confident that I have made the right decisions and that I am headed in the right direction. I have also learned what true Southern Pride is. I had never seen so many "stars and bars" in one area, other than in the movies. Along with the "stars and bars," I have come to realize that it is most definitely not a sign or symbol of racism, yet a strong sense of "this is where we have came from, this is who we are and we are not changing any time soon." I feel a great deal of joy on game day during football season, when people from miles away come to celebrate and cheer on our Rebels each and every Saturday. I have certainly learned what true school pride is.

Anna

Coming from a low income-migrant family, I realized the importance of receiving a college education at a very young age. I have worked to help my parents since I was twelve. Picking fruit in the fields allowed me to experience the struggle of working hard, and earning less than minimum wage. I quickly learned that succeeding in school and furthering my education was my only ticket to a better future. I am currently a junior at Central Washington University, pursuing a degree as a secondary Mathematics instructor. To this date, I have performed outstandingly in all my classes. I have maintained a 3.84 GPA while taking a full load of college level courses and working as a math tutor. I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society and an active volunteer in my community’s education system. While attending college, I have gained insight on valuable topics both through the classes I have taken and through the people surrounding me. I’ve made lifelong friends of different diversities and different backgrounds. Overall, my college experience has been great in allowing me to find out who I really am and who I want to become.

Jennifer

When I moved to Mississippi, I did not know a soul. Within the first week I was able to make friends that would last a life time. I was also able to become part of the Lott Leadership Institute, where I got to major in Public Policy Leadership. This unique major has been valuable in aiding me to get internships such as working on a United States Senate campaign and for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In this major I have been able to debate within our small classes to fully develop my ideas. I was also able to study abroad in Sydney, Australia and learn about Australian politics. My college experience has consisted of many different extracurricular activities and educational opportunities that I would not have had at other universities. I love the school pride my university has, as well as the tight knit community, where I cannot walk across campus without seeing at least five people I know. If I could go back and do college all over again, I would not change one experience I have had because they have all developed me into an intellegiant young women.

Anna

In my first semester of college, I have gained many attributes, which have bettered me as a person. One of these attributes is responsibility. Being away from home, I have had to learn how to manage my time between school and leisure. Of course, my grades have come first, allowing me to succeed in my first semester. College has also been quite valuable to attend in several ways. Becoming involved in the university, I have met students from other states, or even countries, and had to opportunity to see the difference of our life styles, may it be a small or large difference.

Hailey

I have gained so much out of my college experience so far. I have made plenty of friends and am continuing to make friends that will be in my life forever. In the beginning it felt like high school taking the general education classes but now that I am concentrating more on my major, I am loving college even more. I have recieved many values in college and learned how other people have gotten here. I have worked with people in classes from other countries and I love the diversity college offers. It has been valuable to attend college because I am gaining an education toward what I would like to be once I finish my major. Although there have been rough patches in school, I have blasted past them because I know what I want and college is guiding me right to it.

Chad

The college experience has given me invaluable knowledge that I could not have gotten if I had not gone to college. I learned how to write more effectively, as one example. College gave me more insight into certain subjects. This further insight would not have been possible in a regular high school. In college I have learned about subjects that I had no previous knowledge about. Things like geology, astronomy,

Darian

The most valuable thing I have gotten out of my college experience is a direction. I am an Exercise Science major persuing another degree in Nursing to hopefully become a Registered Nurse in Pediatric Cardiology. The opportunity and freedom that I have had in college to make my own decisions about social interactions as well as my academic study plans have forced me to find out who I am, what my goals are and ultimately, what mark I am going to leave as an individual. College has also been valuable in that it has opened my eyes to other ways of thinking and living. I have changed my diet on a few occasions, I have challenged the spiritual and political beliefs of myself and my peers and I think we have all come out with stronger, more educated views. The entire college experience at any school is an invaluable one.

Alyssa

One main thing I have gotten out of my college experience is the importance of a degree and having an education is essential especially now and days. Taking steps to further your education is so important, and even though our country is going through a rough recession having an education is something no one can take away. I have never been the "smart" one or the one that good grades just come easy to, but going to college I can say my studying skills are now excellent. Also, I have gotten more knowledge, and I know when i finish college i will be a well rounded articulate woman. College has shown me you don't have to be "smart" to succeed just dedicated and that is exactly what I' am. Lastly, college has shown me not to give up and always try mu hardest, it has made me very dedicated in my education. Being in college has been vaulable to attend because it is showing me what the real world is like, even though it is not always easy it is always well rewarding. Having an education is so important, and once you have it you have it for life.

Christina

Many people think that the only benefit of college is to learn in the classroom. I have found that there is way more to college than that. When I started college I thought that I was a pretty mature adult, after all I was 18, so there must not be any more growing up to do. I was so wrong. In short I have grown up during college. I have learned to take care of things myself; after all, in college you are the one responsible for yourself, not your parents. If you do not get an assignment done, no one is going to make you do it; that is your job. I have become my own person, not dictated by what other people think. In college you make a name for yourself; you are not just one of Joneses so to speak. I have found joy in helping others because now I am not forced to help, but instead I decide to do it on my own. It makes a big difference when your heart is in it. There is certainly still the benefit of classroom learning too, but remember that there is also so much more to college.